Thomas Alva Stevens

Thomas Alva Stevens, 84, passed away July 17,2025 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center.

He was born on Route #2 in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, on August 20th 1940, to the late Alexander and Lillian Stevens. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death his beloved sister Ann Murray.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 34 years, Anne Stevens; his daughters Beverly Stevens, Cheryl Long, and Yvette Wall, his sons Charlie and Kevin Graham, his grandchildren Courtney Swanson, Myles Graham, Jacob Graham, Josh Graham, Ethan Wall, Garrett Wall, Trey Wall, and his great-grandchildren James and Logan Swanson.

Named after famous inventor Thomas Alva Edison, Tom had a passion for all things functional. When he wasn’t touring the East Coast as a Manufacturer’s Representative for Johnson-Controls, he pursued this passion through aviation and auto-engineering. He was a skilled pilot who loved taking to the skies, as well as a peerless mechanic who, among other things, restored a rail-buggy from the ground up. He loved to pass these skills along as he went, and his legacy lives on in those he taught. He was also a true friend to every dog and cat he ever met. He was kind, fair and forthright. His impact on those of us left behind cannot be overstated.

Family and Friends will gather for visitation from 12pm to 1pm on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 1pm in the chapel with Abbott Placid Solari officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his legacy can make donations to the Belmont Abbey College General Scholarship Fund, as well as Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement.